2018 was a turning point for the Chinese industry, when Xiaomi finally established itself as a serious player, able to compete with the global giants. If previously the brand was associated exclusively with cheap copies, now it offers innovative solutions, advanced technologies and design that sets trends in the market. Consumers faced a pleasant but difficult dilemma: which device will be the perfect satellite for the next couple of years, as the model range has expanded to incredible proportions.
Choosing a smartphone is no longer just a phone purchase, but a search for a multimedia center, a gaming console and a professional camera in one package. This year, manufacturers have been betting on frameless screens, artificial intelligence in photography and powerful processors that were previously only found in the premium segment. You will have to understand dozens of characteristics to understand what you are willing to pay for and what features are just a marketing ploy.
In this article, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the available offers to help you make an informed decision.We will look not only at dry spec numbers, but also at real-world experience, features of the MIUI software shell and the durability of devices. Whether you are looking for an affordable phone for a child, a powerful tool for mobile gaming or a stylish gadget for business, our review will help you find the answer to the question of which Xiaomi is better to choose in the current market realities.
Evolution of the model range: from Redmi to Mi flagships
Understanding the structure of the lineup is the first step to buying a device that won’t disappoint. In 2018, the company clearly divided its products into several key lines, each tailored to a specific audience. The Mi flagship series is designed to showcase all the latest achievements of engineers, including the best body materials, top-end screens and maximum performance, and this is where the world’s first technologies such as pop-up cameras or waterfall screens come into being.
Redmi’s lineup has traditionally been a niche for budget and mid-budget solutions, offering a great balance of price and quality. These phones often become sales hits, as they provide 90% of the functionality of flagships for half the cost. It’s important to note that this year the line between classes has begun to blur, with public sector employees getting glass cases and dual cameras, which were previously the prerogative of expensive models.
Special attention should be paid to the emergence of the Pocophone sub-brand, which became a real sensation, and this phone was created with one goal - to offer maximum CPU power at the lowest possible price, while sacrificing body materials and camera quality. For gamers who care only about speed in games, this was the ideal solution, allowing you to play heavy projects at high graphics settings without overpaying for the brand.
- 📱 Mi Series: Premium Materials, Advanced Cameras, Wireless Charging and Best Screens AMOLED.
- 💰 Redmi Series: Reliability, huge batteries, affordable price and practical enclosures.
- 🚀 Pocophone: Maximum performance of the Snapdragon processor in a minimalistic version.
If you want to choose between these series, you need to be guided by your priorities. If you want status, the tactile sensations of metal and glass, and the best possible camera, you can choose the Mi series. If the main thing is autonomy and not fear of crashing or losing the device, then Redmi will be a more rational investment.
⚠️ Note: Don’t confuse models with the same names but different indexes. For example, the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro are completely different devices with different processors and cameras, although the names are very similar.
It’s also worth mentioning the Mi Mix series, which is an experimental line of the company. These smartphones often don’t have the usual top speaker and front camera as standard, offering a futuristic design.
Criteria of choice: processor, screen and autonomy
The heart of any modern smartphone is the processor, and in 2018, the struggle erupted between Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek chips. For flagship models, the de facto standard was the Snapdragon 845, which provided incredible speed and support for modern graphic libraries. The middle segment was dominated by the Snapdragon 660 and its improved version 636, which are still able to pull most popular applications without lags.
Screen technology has also undergone changes: IPS arrays are gradually giving way to AMOLED, especially in expensive models. AMOLED provides deep black, high contrast and saves energy when using dark interface themes. However, it is worth considering that for some users AMOLED can cause eye fatigue due to flickering (PWM) at low brightness, so it is better to hold the device in your hands before buying.
Autonomy in 2018 took on a new dimension, thanks to processor optimization and battery capacity, with a standard capacity of 4,000 mAh, allowing you to confidently complete a full day of active use, and the Quick Charge, which allowed you to replenish your energy supply from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, which is critical for the rhythm of life.
When analyzing the characteristics, you should not chase the maximum numbers of RAM. For comfortable work in 2018, 4 GB of RAM is enough, and 6 GB will only be required if you plan to keep open dozens of heavy applications at the same time or play resource-intensive games. Overpayment for 8 GB in the budget segment often does not make sense, since the processor itself will become the bottleneck.
☑️ Checklist before purchase
TOP budget models: Redmi Note 5 and Redmi 5 Plus
In the affordable smartphone segment, the Redmi Note 5 (known in China as the Redmi Note 5 Pro) became the undisputed king of 2018, setting a new benchmark for quality by offering users a metal body, a FullHD+ screen and, most importantly, a dual main camera with an aperture of f/1.9.
Another big hit was the Redmi 5 Plus, which was one of the first mass-market smartphones to feature an 18:9 screen in its price class, offering a huge 5.99-inch display and a 4,000mAh battery, the perfect choice for those who consume a lot of content: watching videos, reading books and flipping through social media feeds.
Both smartphones are powered by a MIUI shell that offers extensive customization options, you can change themes, customize controls, and use a second space to separate personal and work data, but beginners should be prepared for an abundance of built-in advertising in system applications, which, however, can be disabled in settings.
| Model | Screen. | Processor | Camera (MP) | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 5 | 5.99" IPS | Snapdragon 636 | 12 + 5 | 4,000 mAh |
| Redmi 5 Plus | 5.99" IPS | Snapdragon 625 | 12 | 4,000 mAh |
| Redmi 5A | 5.0" IPS | Snapdragon 425 | 13 | 3,000 mAh |
| Redmi S2 | 5.99" IPS | Snapdragon 625 | 12 + 2 | 3080mAh |
Importantly, even budget models this year have received support for 4G LTE technology with frequency aggregation, which ensures stable and fast mobile Internet, making them suitable not only for calls, but also for navigation on the road and video calls in high quality.
⚠️ Note: When buying Redmi Note 5, pay attention to the version. Global Version has a box labeled "Global Version" and supports all necessary communication frequencies, while the Chinese version is available (CN Version may not have Russian out of the box and the ranges required LTE.
Flagship solutions: Mi 8 and the Mi Mix 2S revolution
If the budget allows you not to save, then the Xiaomi Mi 8 becomes one of the best choices of the year. OLED-Samsung display, technology support HDR And most importantly, a complete navigation system. GPS double-frequency (L1 + L5). This means that the navigator in the car or the pedestrian maps will work to within a meter, which is rare even for competitors.
Camera in Mi 8 It was highly appreciated by DxOMark experts, having received_score_ into 105 The dual module with optical stabilization and zoom allows you to create professional portraits with beautiful background blur. In addition, this smartphone for the first time in the lineup has a system of unlocking the face using an IR emitter, working even in complete darkness.
What is the difference between Mi 8 and Mi 8 Pro?
For fans of minimalism and high technology, the Mi Mix 2S was created. This phone is almost completely bezelless, and the conversational speaker is replaced by sound transmission technology through the vibrodynamics of the screen. Behind it, there is a ceramic panel that not only looks beautiful, but also does not block the wireless charging signal, which is fully supported here.
The performance of these devices is based on the Snapdragon 845 chip, which, in conjunction with fast memory UFS 2.1, provides lightning-fast interface. Apps open instantly, and games like PUBG Mobile or Asphalt 9 operate at maximum graphics settings without frame drawdowns.
- 📸 Camera: Optical stabilization, dual zoom, portrait mode with AI.
- 🔋 Charging: Quick Charge 4.0 and wireless charging support.
- 🛰️ Navigation: Two-frequency GPS for maximum positioning accuracy.
The King: The Pocophone F1 Phenomenon
The Pocophone F1, which is the ultimate flagship killer, has a very simple concept: take a top-end Snapdragon 845 processor, put enough RAM in, and sell it for the price of a mid-range segment, and compromise on a plastic case that, by the way, holds heat well, and a mediocre camera.
Despite the plastic backrest, the device is built with quality, and ergonomics allows you to comfortably hold the phone with one hand. IPS has good viewing angles, although color reproduction is inferior AMOLED-For gamers, this device was a real salvation, because it allowed you to run any games of 2018 on ultra-tuning.
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When buying a Pocophone F1, get a safety glass and a good case right away.The glossy versions are slippery, and replacing the screen due to thin bezels can be expensive.
A special feature of the device is the presence of a dedicated game mode and liquid cooling of the processor, which allows you to avoid trotting (decreased performance due to overheating) during long gaming sessions. The software also has a feature to accelerate the start of games, which clears the RAM before starting the application.
⚠️ Attention: Pocophone F1 comes with a large number of pre-installed advertising software, it is recommended immediately after turning on, disable recommendations in the system settings and remove unnecessary applications for comfortable use.
MIUI Software and Ecosystem
When you choose a Xiaomi phone, you choose not only hardware, but also the MIUI shell. In 2018, the current versions were MIUI 9 and MIUI 10, which brought many useful features, among them is the “Second Space”, which allows you to create a separate desktop with other applications and accounts, which is convenient for separating work and personal life.
The system has deep customization options, from changing fonts and icons to managing gestures. However, beginners may be confused by the lack of a separate application menu by default (all shortcuts on the desktop), although this feature can be activated in settings.
Security and system updates are released regularly, but they vary by region. Global firmware updates are less common than Chinese ones, but they are more stable and lack Chinese software. Advanced users can install custom firmware, which significantly extends the life of the device.
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MIUI is a powerful ecosystem that combines a smartphone with a smart home, but takes time to initially set up for itself.
Integration with other Xiaomi smart home devices is another strong argument: With the Mi Home app, you can control light bulbs, robot vacuum cleaners, surveillance cameras and air purifiers. The phone becomes a universal remote control of your home, which is especially true for owners of this brand of equipment.